CATL Supercharging and Battery Swap Network Boosts EV Efficiency

At its latest technology event, CATL introduced an integrated supercharging and battery swapping network designed to transform electric vehicle infrastructure across China. The company confirmed that its Chocolate battery swap stations for passenger vehicles and Qiji stations for heavy trucks will now include Shenxing supercharging systems as a standard feature. This development converts existing infrastructure into unified “Supercharging & Swap” stations, offering improved operational efficiency and flexibility. The move reflects a broader push to optimize energy utilization while addressing growing demand for faster and more scalable EV charging solutions.

Existing Network Scale and Efficiency Advantages

The company has already deployed 1,470 Chocolate battery swap stations across 99 cities, establishing a strong foundation for expansion. A major advantage of the integrated system lies in its simplified energy conversion process. Battery swapping involves a single conversion from the grid to the vehicle battery, resulting in only one stage of power loss. In contrast, traditional charging setups with storage systems require two stages, first charging a storage battery and then transferring energy to the vehicle, leading to higher losses. By combining charging and swapping components, the integrated solution reduces power loss rates by more than 13 percentage points, improving overall system efficiency.

Energy Output Gains and Driving Range Impact

The efficiency improvements directly translate into better energy utilization for electric vehicles. According to calculations shared by CATL, for every 100 kWh supplied from the grid, the integrated system delivers an additional 13 kWh to vehicles compared to conventional storage-based ultra-fast charging systems. This gain can significantly impact driving performance, offering an extended range of approximately 65 to 120 km depending on vehicle consumption patterns. Such improvements not only enhance user experience but also reduce the frequency of charging or swapping, contributing to greater convenience for EV owners.

Battery Swapping as a Revenue Opportunity

A new business model is being introduced alongside the infrastructure upgrade. Starting in the second half of the year, users of Chocolate battery swap systems will be able to exchange fully charged battery packs during peak electricity pricing periods. During these times, swap stations will compensate vehicle owners with the price difference, enabling potential daily earnings of up to 40 yuan (6 USD). This approach allows users to offset battery leasing costs while turning EV ownership into a value-generating activity. The concept represents a shift from traditional cost-based charging toward a more dynamic and participatory energy ecosystem.

Chocolate 26 Battery and Flexible Power Usage

To support the integrated system, CATL introduced the Chocolate 26 battery, developed on an 800V high-voltage architecture. The initial version offers a capacity of 75 kWh, with higher-capacity variants planned for future rollout. This battery is designed for B-segment and C-segment passenger vehicles, enabling broader market compatibility. The system is built around an “on-demand power allocation” approach, allowing users to select smaller batteries for daily commuting and switch to larger ones for long-distance travel. This flexibility helps avoid unnecessary costs associated with permanently carrying oversized battery packs.

Station Formats and Expansion Strategy

The company plans to deploy two types of infrastructure formats, including standard integrated swap-charge stations and 4S dealership experience stations. These formats are intended to serve diverse use cases such as dense urban centers, highway corridors, and customer experience zones. By adapting station design to different environments, the network aims to ensure accessibility and operational efficiency across various mobility scenarios.

Future Network Growth and Partnerships

Looking ahead, CATL plans to expand its network to 4,000 integrated stations by the end of 2026, covering 190 cities and forming a nationwide highway grid structured around a “12 vertical and 11 horizontal” layout. The company is also working with multiple automotive manufacturers including Changan, Chery, GAC, Seres, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and BAIC. By 2028, the goal is to establish more than 100,000 shared charging facilities. Currently, partnerships span 11 automakers, 18 passenger vehicle brands, and 25 vehicle models, reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem for accelerating EV adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CATL’s integrated supercharging and battery swap network?
CATL’s integrated supercharging and battery swap network combines fast charging and battery swapping into a unified infrastructure system to improve energy efficiency and user convenience. The system reduces energy conversion losses by eliminating intermediate storage stages, allowing more electricity to reach vehicles. It also supports flexible battery usage and introduces new economic benefits for users. With large-scale deployment planned across multiple cities and highways, this network aims to accelerate EV adoption and create a more efficient and scalable charging ecosystem.